Saturday August 12, rode my 03 FLHTC/I all day in the rain. Sunday spent 3 hrs. cleaning bike top to bottom. Monday morning rode to work and noticed when I arrived that my volt gauge was showing 11.5 volts charge instead of my normal 14.7 volts. New battery so I knew that I could start at the end of the day and get home with additional stops. Trouble shot the electrical system and consulted my dealer. Regulator! They also stated that they replaced 6 last Sunday. Went to get a new one and found I could get one that is chromed for $1 more than the standard black one. Chrome for a buck.

The real question; Why put something that is very susceptible to water right behind the front wheel which is kicking up water? These bikes are supposed to be able to handle riding in the rain. Saturday was a gulley washer rain, I mean a lot of rain. This is not the first time I have ridden in the rain, this rain was heavier than others. I would hate to think everytime I ride in a heavy rain, I have to replace a regulator or worse yet regulator and stator.

 

Probably just coincidence.

Mine has been crusted in mud, then hosed heavily, ridden in heavy rain, parked in heavy rain, etc...

No problems yet, although its only got 10k miles. The regulator seems a sealed unit. I wonder if somewhere else got wet and was shorting causing the issue.

 

These things are 100% SEALED.If they are getting water in them then the gel/resin is cracked and allowing water in it.Sounds like a bad batch.

 

Aloose plug at case area or water getting in under rubber boot will cause arching and take reg out.A faulty stator will also.Getting water at reg exit wiring is possible I guess.Mud flap would help drowning problem if you think frt tire is doing it.

 

maybe they are warm and the cool rain is cracking the resin?

 

That resin is kinda plyable but maybe the new ones arent anymore.